The Electric Worksite

Electric excavators work on a jobsite

A new study demonstrates the viability of electric equipment in urban construction

A new multi-partner study in Europe has shown that electric construction equipment can match the performance of diesel-powered machines, with the added benefit of zero emissions and a better working environment. 

As well, the conditions required for a smooth transition to electric construction sites and emission-free contracting are now available. 

The study, titled The Electric Worksite, mapped the infrastructure needs for electric machines through testing at real-life worksites in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The goal of the Electric Worksite project was for several players across the supply chain to gain an understanding of the opportunities and requirements when operating electric equipment in urban construction applications. 

The project had a clear focus on the system perspective, testing electric machines, energy storage and charging infrastructure in different urban sites to clarify the varied needs across interconnected technical and organizational systems.

The tests were carried out on active construction sites using electric-powered wheeled and crawler excavators, wheel loaders and load carriers. The equipment ranged from 3.5 ton to 30 ton machines and were powered by battery or a cable connection. 

Volvo CE was one of the collaborators that played a key role in the research project by managing equipment tests and providing electric machines in various sizes and models, as well as technical solutions for charging such as mobile energy storage and cable management systems.

“Electric machines are already available on the market and performing well, but the challenge can often be how to establish a reliable supporting infrastructure. This project confirmed that when all actors in the value chain around a construction site collaborate, both from the public and the private sector, we solve the infrastructure around it,” said Bobbie Frank, Research Leader at Volvo CE.

“In all tests, regardless of application and location, the electric machines performed as well as, if not better than, equivalent models with combustion engines, but without harmful emissions and disturbing noise.”

The main findings of The Electric Worksite include:

  • Electric construction machines can perform the same work to the same standard as fossil-fuelled variants in urban construction projects.
  • Workers in and around electric machines experience several positive effects in the handling of machines and the working environment.
  • Like most construction projects in general, the success of electrification is based on foresight, planning and flexibility.
  • New requirements for power supply are solved based on machine type and available electricity, such as electrical cabinets, mobile charging stations, cable-connected machines and energy storage units.
  • End customers need to be made aware of new opportunities and challenges with electric machines, as well as of existing business conditions and contracting requirements towards contractors and subcontractors.

Alongside an increased demand for emission free construction contracting and a growing market for electric machines, the need for collaboration between all players across the value chain is also rising to ensure the infrastructure is up to par for the change. This puts new demands on the energy supply and electrical system, among other areas.

North America adoption

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While most electric machines on the market are compact, Volvo CE has also tested the viability of midsize electric equipment in North America. The 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator has completed numerous pilot testing in Canada and the United States. In Vancouver, the electric excavator was used to consolidate waste at transfer stations. In Los Angels, the machine loaded trucks of export material from an underground tunnel for a transit line renovation. In Florida, the EC230 was tasked with processing up to 100 tons of construction and demolition debris and green waste each hour.

“It does typically require a charge after four to five hours of work, not including idle times, but if there is a lunch break or other pause and the user has a fast charger, this is not a major issue,” said Dr. Ray Gallant, Vice President of Sustainability and Productivity Services at Volvo CE.

“And of course we’re working to improve this. But overall, the performance specifications are nearly identical, and users have been pleasantly surprised by how well it meets their demands. 

Now, Volvo CE is using its findings from the EC230 Electric to develop other midsize electric machines, which will “roll out in the not-so-distant future.” Machines that are connected via a cable to the electrical grid are also in development. 

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While some North American contractors are open to adopting electric construction equipment, the diesel alternative is gaining popularity more quickly in Europe. 

“Hesitation around new technology is perfectly normal, and it will take time and education for owners and operators to feel comfortable with it,” Gallant said. “However, the way that emission reduction goals and regulations are taking off, I think contractors will have to get more comfortable with it at some point.”

At Volvo CE, Gallant explained charging options and battery life are the top concerns for contractors. 

“It’s true that electric equipment won’t work for every situation, but it will work for more than one may think,” he said. “More and increasingly innovative charging solutions become available all the time, and there are ways to make a charge work best for your particular situation.”